Guide to Visitors to Canada Insurance for Pregnant Women
2023-03-01
When you’re pregnant, your health and the health of your baby are a top priorities. That means you should always be prepared for anything—even a potential emergency on vacation. That’s why it’s important to have travel insurance that covers pregnancy and childbirth, as well as other potential medical emergencies.
Traveling while pregnant: when is it safe?
As long as there are no complications during the early stages of pregnancy, your doctor may let you travel. However, it's always best to check with your doctor before planning any trips. You may need to avoid certain types of trips or specific destinations as you progress in your pregnancy.
According to a recent survey, a majority of new parents have taken a babymoon vacation. But again, always consult with your doctor to make sure travel is safe for you during your pregnancy. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against travel during the third trimester or four weeks before the due date; in fact, they advise expecting mothers to postpone their travels until their second trimester.
Does travel insurance cover pregnancy?
If you booked your trip and purchase your insurance before you became pregnant, travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits may be available to help cover the costs of a trip cancellation. If you need to cancel your trip within eight weeks before your expected due date or if you have complications from pregnancy, travel insurance plans that include Trip Cancellation benefits are available through Allianz Global Assistance through our site.
What does travel insurance cover while pregnant?
Unless there are pre-existing conditions, there is no specific travel insurance for expecting mothers. Travel health insurance covers you in case of a medical emergency.
In summary, most travel insurance covers the following:
- Accidental death/disability
- Emergency medical expenses
- Transport of ambulances
- Hospitalization
- Prescription drugs
Most travel insurance providers will cover you up to 9 weeks before your due date for COVID-19 and related complications.
Tips for pregnant visitors to Canada
When you’re pregnant, your health is always a top priority. Here are some tips to make your trip to Canada as safe and comfortable as possible:
1. Get travel insurance that includes coverage for pregnancy. There are a variety of policies available that should cover any medical costs or hospitalization you may need while you’re in Canada.
2. Consult with your doctor about vaccines and other health precautions specific to pregnancy. Make sure you have all the recommended vaccines, including the rubella vaccine if you’re traveling to a country where it’s recommended (such as Mexico). Note that many Canadian provinces now require Hepatitis A and B vaccinations for all travelers, even those not traveling to affected areas.
3. Eat healthy before and during your trip. Eating clean foods and avoiding processed foods can help ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, too – especially if you’re traveling outside of major cities. And be sure to avoid alcohol – even in moderation – since it can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in children born to mothers who drink during their pregnancies.
4. Be aware of potential safety hazards while traveling overseas during your pregnancy. If there’s any doubt about whether something is safe, don’t do it – no matter how tempting it may seem! Certain activities (like visiting caves) can be dangerous for pregnant women.
